Sark’s lighthouse is a shining example of LED technology
SARK Lighthouse has been upgraded in line with new navigational requirements.
Trinity House, the official lighthouse authority for the UK and Channel Islands, has re-engineered the station systems and modernised the main light.
The station’s upgrades went live in December and staff from Trinity House are currently overseeing a performance test.
Programme manager Steve Keddie said this would allow them to identify and correct any faults in the new electronic systems.
‘The lighthouse is fully operational at present and is being monitored from Harwich through its soak test period,’ he said.
‘The station will then be de-manned and handed back to the field operations team where we will get a further 20 years of reliable operation, enhancing safety for mariners in the area.’
The station’s old optic, which weighs in at about two tons, was removed along with the hazardous mercury bath on which it rotated.
It has been replaced with two LED lanterns, which have a range of 18 nautical miles.
The station’s electronics have also been upgraded to the Trinity House standard.
Sark Conseiller Jane Norwich said the team from Trinity House had been a pleasure to work with.
‘I have had lots of comments on the totally professional approach to the project and that includes the team on the ground visiting and working at Point Robert,’ she said.
‘We all are grateful for the work Trinity House do to keep us all safe at sea and the works to upgrade Point Robert are part of that.
Sark Lighthouse was built by Trinity House in 1913 to guide vessels passing through the Channel Islands.
